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 Stress is an unavoidable part of life, and its effects on our physical and mental health can be profound. While we can’t eliminate stress entirely, we can learn how to manage it more effectively. In this episode, we're joined by Kai Simmonds to explore what stress really is, how it affects both body and mind, and practical strategies for coping with it. We’ll break down how your body interprets stress and share insights to help you reduce its impact on your daily life. 

Kai Simmonds is a Mindset Coach and Yoga teacher who helps busy professionals overcome stress and burnout. She has worked with over 100+ clients in the past 4 years providing meaningful and impactful workshops to support corporate wellbeing. Kai believes in a holistic approach focusing on the mind, body, and soul to beat stress and burnout and live a more balanced life.

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At one point or the other, we all had to deal with headaches. Maybe they were as a result of a long exhausting day, or they were a symptom of something else like the flu. But this episode explores the more complex world of a specific type of headache, migraines. What is a migraine, what causes it and how can you prevent it. Tune in with Dr. John Oluwole as we sheds some light on migraines. 

In this episode, Dr. John will discuss common triggers, other symptoms and what lifestyle adjustments you need to consider to manage them along with different treatment options.

Dr. John is Specialist Neurologist and Clinical Neurophysiologist from King’s College Hospital Dubai with over 15 years of experience. He pioneered the Clinical Neurophysiology service and works as full-time Clinical Neurologist seeing a broad range of neurological conditions. He has special expertise in headache medicine, epilepsies and peripheral nerve disorders. He also has keen interest in dizziness.

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In this eye-opening episode, we speak with Dr. Masa Al-Kurdi, to explore how trauma isn't always tied to major, life-altering events. Often, the most significant impacts can come from smaller, seemingly less obvious incidents—like bullying, neglect, or subtle emotional abuse—that accumulate over time.

Dr. Masa explains how trauma can be hidden beneath the surface and how it manifests in ways we may not immediately recognize. She breaks down the signs of trauma, particularly the subtle indicators that many people overlook in their day-to-day lives. We also dive into the importance of uncovering these hidden wounds to begin the healing process and how they shape our relationships, self-esteem, and overall well-being.

Dr. Masa is a clinical psychologist and trauma specialist at the Psychiatry and Therapy Centre, and co-founder and Vice-Chairperson of MENATA. She is dedicated to creating accessible mental health resources and fostering resilient communities across the region. And has successfully trained mental health professionals, empowering them with the tools and resilience to offer meaningful support within their communities.

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Is "Wellbeing at Work" simple a new trend that will run it's course or is it a concept that's here to stay? How can wellbeing be achieved in the workplace and what is the role of leadership in supporting their employees' wellbeing?

Tune in with Dr. Mansoor Habib, Family Medicine and Occupational Health Consultant, as he explains the importance of wellbeing at work and how it impacts an organization's productivity and profitability. In this episode we'll discuss the pillars that need to exist and the proper methodology to making your employee wellbeing more than just a trend, but an investment.

Dr. Mansoor is a pronounced Emirati Consultant family medicine and occupational health with over 20 years’ experience in managing patients with a focus on prevention, screening, and healthy habits coaching.

Dr. Mansoor is a Family Medicine and Occupational Health Consultant with over 20 years of experience. He is also the Senior Director of employee wellbeing, and he established the in-house occupational health staff clinic and a dedicated Wellbeing department.

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"Narcissist" is one of the new and trendy buzzwords, but who exactly is a narcissist?

In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of narcissism, exploring its defining traits and behaviors. What is narcissism, and how does it differ from someone simply exhibiting narcissistic tendencies? We break down the nuances between the two and explain how to recognize the signs of both with Dr. Tobias Buzello.

Dr. Tobias will define the key characteristics of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and how it manifests in everyday interactions. Additionally, he also provides practical tips on how to deal with people who exhibit narcissistic tendencies, whether it’s in your personal or professional life. From setting healthy boundaries to managing emotional impact.

Dr. Tobias Buzello is a psychiatrist from the German Neuroscience Center in Dubai. He stands at the forefront of mental health care with an impressive 20-year professional journey. He is committed to offering cutting-edge diagnostics and treatment within the realm of psychiatry and psychotherapy. 

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We all know menopause is inevitable and that every woman will go through it. But what does it mean exactly, what are its symptoms, and how to navigate them without disrupting your life. That's what we'll discuss in this episode with Dr. Bushra Gul. Because knowledge is power, arm yourself with the knowledge of everything there is to know so you're well prepared.

Dr. Bushra Gul is an Obstetrics and Gynecology specialist from Saudi German Hospital with over 22 years of experience. She is a fierce advocate of Women's Health and the host of "She's Well" podcast, which dives into candid conversations about women's physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing.

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Tune in as we explore everything you need to know about diabetes—what it is, how it impacts the body, and the key differences between Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes. We’ll discuss the causes, symptoms, and available treatments, as well as the role of lifestyle changes in managing the condition. With Dr. Ali Aldibbiat, we'll explain the importance of a balanced diet in blood sugar management, and we will cover practical tips and share advice to help you or a navigate life with diabetes. Whether you're looking for helpful insights or just want to understand it better, this episode has got you covered! 

Dr. Ali Aldibbiat is a consultant endocrinologist in Mediclinic City Hospital, Dubai. He has over 21 years of clinical experience in different healthcare settings in the UK and Middle East. He has special interest in Obesity management, and application of technology in the management of diabetes including insulin pumps and closed loop systems (also known as Artificial Pancreas). He has numerous publications in international peer-reviewed scientific journals and has presented his work at regional, national and international conferences. 

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In this episode, we dive deep into the world of fad diets and why they often fail to deliver lasting results. From keto to juice cleanses, many of these trendy diets promise quick fixes, but do they really work in the long run? Click play to listen to Sara Abdallah as she unpacks the science behind fad diets, explores the dangers they pose to both your physical and mental health, and offer practical, sustainable alternatives to help you build a healthier lifestyle. 

Sarah Abdallah is Senior Dietitian at Healthy Bowl Nutrition Centre, with 10 years of experience in the field of nutrition. She has dedicated her career to helping hundreds of individuals achieve their health goals and transform their lifestyles. Nutrition is her passion, and she is committed to continuing this rewarding journey.

Don't miss this episode offering expert insights and actionable tips on how to approach dieting and nutrition in a way that supports your overall wellbeing!

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In this episode, we dive deep into the science behind why change is so difficult to accept and how it can affect our mental health. As we navigate the challenges of personal growth and professional transitions, we often find ourselves resisting change, even when it’s necessary. But why is that? From evolutionary instincts to the brain's preference for stability, we’ll explore the psychological and biological reasons behind our resistance.

More importantly, we’ll talk about how we can train our minds to not only accept change but embrace it as an opportunity for growth. Tune in as Maria Haggo trains us to learn practical strategies for building resilience, managing stress, and improving mental well-being during times of transition. Change may be inevitable, but with the right mindset, it doesn’t have to feel like a threat — it can become a powerful catalyst for positive transformation in your life.

Maria, founder of Transform8, is an international facilitator, Executive Coach, TEDx Speaker, and advocate for conscious leadership. With a masters in Psychology and Neuroscience, Maria is dedicated to advancing brain health as the foundation for building thriving corporate cultures. Her neuroscience-focused approach not only reduces stress and burnout but also enhances diversity and inclusion, mental and overall health, and employee engagement and performance. 

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The majority of us struggle with emotional baggage, which cause us to be triggered and overreact to situations without fully understanding why. Maybe it's something that happened during childhood or a past relationship.
In this episode, Dr. Lavina will address the hot topic of emotional baggage, how to identify and overcome it so you understand yourself better.

Dr. Lavina Ahuja is a psychologist at German Neuroscience Center Dubai, she has gained significant experience in working therapeutically with children, adults, couples, groups and families. Her main areas of specialty are in working with Anxiety and working with Couples.

Recommended Resources to dealing with Emotional Baggage:
1. Women who love too much - Robin Norwood
2. Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents - Lindsay Gibson
3. Will I Ever Be Good Enough - Karyl McBride
4. Attached - Amir Levine and Rachel S. F. Heller

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Savings, emergency funds and long term goals - are you confused about achieving them? If your answer is yes, or if you don't know what we're talking about, then this episode is for you!
How much of your income should you save and how to allocate your savings to suit your different goals. Tune in to this episode with Amr Yussif as he explains it all.
Amr is a seasoned asset manager with over 15 years of experience. He has dedicated his career to advising clients on financial strategies and wealth management. He’s also the co-founder and CEO of FinFlx, a pioneering fintech company in Dubai, where he leveraged his expertise to empower everyday employees in achieving financial well-being.
Click play for practical tips, expert advice, and actionable steps to help you take control of your money and build a secure financial future! 

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Mental health is a topic that has been getting a lot of attention lately, however the stigma around it is still very much there. Thought awareness for the importance of mental health is growing, there is still a gap between the number of people actually seeking help and support.
The first step to fighting the stigma surrounding mental health is to understand what it is, how it presents itself and admit it's there, and that's what is discussed in this episode with Scott Armstrong.
Scott is the founder of mentl - a platform that is determined to tackle the stigma of mental health head on, through the power of inspiring content and trusted thought leadership.

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This November, we are shining a spotlight on the cancers that specifically affect men and explore why awareness is critical to early detection and improved outcomes. From prostate and colorectal cancer to lesser-known types like testicular cancer, Dr. Saeed Rafii from Mediclinic Hospital Dubai shares insights into the signs, risks, and preventive measures every man should know. We discuss the barriers men often face in seeking medical help, the importance of regular screenings, and how to create an open dialogue about men’s health. Tune in as we break the silence, raise awareness, and empower men to take control of their health.

Dr. Saeef Rafii is UK trained and board certified consultant medical oncologist with over 20 years of experience. He has an extensive expertise in clinical trials and has been Chief, Principal or Co-investigator on over 100 early and late phase oncology clinical trials. Dr. Rafii also holds a PhD and a postdoctoral fellowship in molecular cancer genetics.

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Skin, it's the largest organ of the body, so we need to take good care of it.
The myths and false facts surrounding skincare are endless. With so many new products out there, how do you differentiate the real from the fake claims? Do you really need all these active ingredients or is less really more?

Hit play to listen to Dr. Maya El Khoury put an end to all the hearsay and to give you the ultimate guide to taking care of your skin.

Dr. Maya is a specialist dermatologist with Mediclinic Dubai Hills and Mediclinic Parkview Hospital. She has multiple years of experience treating skin conditions, nail and hair disorders as well as cosmetic dermatology.

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Tackling PCOS - Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, what it is and why there is so much confusion around it. In this episode, we'll break down the science behind it, discuss common symptoms and address the myths that often surround it. Whether you've been diagnosed with PCOS or you want to educate yourself to avoid getting it, click play to listen as Dr. Ishrat Khan offers valuable insights, clears up common misconceptions and provides practical advice.
Dr. Ishrat Khan is a consultant endocrinologist from Kings college hospital Dubai, with decades of experience in UK and UAE. She is committed to delivering personalized and high quality care to all patients, ensuring they fully understand their condition and what treatment (or self-management) will achieve.

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What does well-being look like, especially across the MENA region? Are we collectively experiencing good mental and physical health? What challenges are impacting overall wellbeing, and how prevalent are they? When we talk about wellbeing, how do we define it – and what differentiates good from poor wellbeing?

With these key questions in mind, GIG Gulf has undertaken its inaugural comprehensive Wellbeing Report. Our aim is to provide you with valuable insights into the wellbeing landscape across the MENA region, empowering you to make informed decisions on health insurance policies and wellness programs that effectively meet the needs of employees, members and the broader population.

Download the report here.

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Bullying is more than just mean high school friends, though that's definitely a form of it. It can be even more deep and subtle than that, yet just as hurtful. How to identify a bully and stand up to them? And how to manage your feelings and emotions during and after a bullying experience?
Click play to listen as Maisoon Shah answers all these questions and more.
Maisoon is a psychologist with American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology with multiple years of experience working alongside adolescents and adults in dealing with mental health challenges. She is skilled in treatment of borderline personality disorder, depression & mood disorders, anxiety disorders – including phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder, gender discrimination, grief and loss, trauma, adjustment disorders, anger management, health related distress, and interpersonal and relationship difficulties.

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The importance of fitness is widely known, yet we all struggle to incorporate it into our busy lives. But how much time do you actually need to dedicate to exercising to maintain an acceptable level of fitness? And how to know where you're at on the fitness scale, where you want to be and how to get there? That's what we're discussing in this episode with Jason Grima.
Jason Grima is reputable strength and conditioning coach with over a decade of experience. He is the founder and head coach at The 365 Physique gym where he guides clients toward diverse health goals such as major weight loss, muscle building, sports performance, youth development, and injury prevention. He is also the host of The Lifestyle Hub podcast.

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Your immunity system acts as your body's own army of soldiers that protect it from any foreign invaders, such as bacteria and viruses, that may harm it.
But how to make sure that this army is in tip-top shape and ready to fight at any given moment? And what are the factors that can weaken it? This is what we will discuss in this episode with Dr. Marilyn Karam from Saudi German Hospital.
Dr. Marilyn Karam is a highly accomplished consultant Allergist and Clinical Immunologist, certified by the American Board in Allergy and Clinical Immunology, as well as Internal Medicine. She provides comprehensive care to both adult and pediatric patients. Dr. Karam is also deeply committed to medical education, shaping the future generation of healthcare professionals. Finally, her passion for research is evident through several peer-reviewed articles, reflecting her dedication to advancing medical science and improving patient care.
www.drmarilynkaram.com

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Maybe you're one of the people who enjoy cleaning, organizing and decluttering, or maybe you're like many others who find it an absolutely daunting task. Either way, in this episode Shelina Jokhiya will give you some hacks and tips so you don't have to go through this process repeatedly, and you can enjoy having a clutter-free space.
Shelina is the decluttering expert and founder of DeCluttr Me, a home and office organizing company. She has a special talent for organizing and decluttering since her childhood, and is now using this talent to help others who need it.

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Emotional intelligence is a skill that's equally important personally and professionally, yet it's a little hard to master. Understanding your own emotions, using them positively and empathizing with others are some of the ways in which emotional intelligence empowers you.
Tune in as Mina Wasfi guides us into understanding it and learning how to implement it into our daily lives.
Mina Wasfi is an international award-winning author of the best self-help book in 2023 “Doubt to Certainty”. He focuses on helping organizations and people make better decisions. His approach is to provide pragmatic and effective solutions to solve cognitive challenges that may be limiting organizations or individuals reach their full potential.

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Sleep is one of the main things in our life than can impact us physically, mentally and emotionally. Yet so many of us struggle with it.
Listen to this episode as we unravel the secrets to a smooth and comfortable sleep, explaining common bad habits that can affect your sleep, and how to replace them with good habits to allow you to sleep like a baby.
Our speaker, Martial Nesselbusch, is an expert in Chinese energetics and bodywork healing at Illuminations Wellbeing Centre with 5 years experience. His work is focused on activating vital energy that helps to strengthen immunity, balance the nervous system and assist in releasing physical tensions emotional charges and mental overactivity.

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Communicating with children can sometimes be a challenge, where you feel like your words go in one ear and out the other. But maybe the issue lies with the way and style we use to communicate with them.
In this episode, Sylvie Ebert will guide us into the art of communicating and understanding children, different parenting techniques to strengthen the bond and connecting with your children.
Sylvie is a certified parenting coach of 6 years, working with parents to focus on their relationship and their communication with their kids through her company “Connected Parenting”.

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With today's fast paced life and busy schedules, it's easy to get caught up in them and forget to enjoy your life. Maybe you feel overwhelmed with responsibilities, or simply feel like there aren't enough hours in the day. In this episode with Dr. Louise Lambert, we'll talk about the important or prioritizing yourself, and how you can achieve that. To give you a hint, it's not just about "work-life balance".
Dr. Louise, PhD, is a Registered Psychologist, Researcher and Professor with 20 years of experience in organizational and educational consulting, as well as teaching and researching happiness and wellbeing. She is Head of Happiness Programming & Policy Design with HappinessMatters.org. Dr. Lambert is also the founder and Editor-in-Chief of the Middle East Journal of Positive Psychology.

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Tune in as we explore the various mental health conditions that can affect children, from anxiety, depression to ADHD.
In this episode, Lara Ltaif will explain the symptoms and signs to watch out for, the possible impact on daily life and treatment options. She offers a guide to help parents understand and assist their children in navigating and overcoming the challenges.
Lara Ltaif is a licensed Clinical Psychologist at the American Hospital in Dubai with extensive expertise in Psychoanalytical and CBT training, with more than 13 years of working experience. She specializes in individual, group, family and play Therapy for children.